Volvo 240 Steering Shaft

alphax

Hi all, chasing a solid style steering shaft for a 240. Needs to be 19mm, 48 spline, approx 300mm long.
Perhaps these are fitted to non p/s cars? Please advise if you can supply.

I have something like this style with the rubber insert:

But want something like this (shaft only that slides into the existing uni joints):

Angus242164

I think you're after a shaft from an early 240 with manual steering, however I'm pretty sure the spline is smaller on manual racks.

I've got one at home, will take some pics for you.

alphax

Sweet, that would be great. You might be right, could be 17mm or 11/16 on the manual racks according to the internet.

alphax

May be able to swap uni's as well? So replace as an assembly?

Angus242164

I took some pics earlier on, and realised/remembered that there are a few variations:

'70's 240, manual rack:

'70's 240, fitted with early power rack and shaft setup from an early 260. 260's had the rubber coupling at the opposite end of the shaft.

Top: '80's 240 power rack shaft.
Bottom: '70's 240 manual rack shaft (identical to first two pics above).

Clear as mud, right?

alphax

Thanks Angus, that's great information. Confirms that what I thought might exist, doesn't, at least not on another Volvo. At least the 3/4-48 spline used on the 240 with p/s is a reasonably common shaft size out there so I should be able to sort something out. Thanks again.

Angus242164

No worries, glad to help. What result are you trying to achieve exactly? More clearance between the non-standard engine and the shaft?

Would the V6 setup in the second set of pics do the trick?

alphax

Hmmm that 260 setup might do the trick if I were to change the whole lot as an assembly. And that coupling at the top might just be far enough out of the way. Would the assembly be same overall length as my 240 assy?

Correct, I am looking for a touch more exhaust clearance than with the 'fat' 80's 240 p/s shaft.

Angus242164

I'm not sure about the overall length, I'm wondering if there is a difference in the position of the pinion shaft on that early 260 rack, vs. the '80's racks found on 240's.

There were a few different power racks in different years/markets, I don't know if they're all interchangeable or not.

Angus242164

Just revisiting this thread, as I was out in the paddock looking for some parts today, and noticed that the '77 245 parts car might have some suitable parts for you on it.

It started life as an L, but has had various accessories added to it by previous owners, including AC and PS. It looks like they used a rack and shaft from an early 240 with PS, or from an early 260.

It's the same components as the second care pictured earlier in the thread, but with the shaft mounted the other way up, as it can be fitted either way up.

The rack seems to be in good shape with no leaks and intact boots, it might be weeping a bit around the pinion shaft.

alphax

Hey Angus, thanks for looking into that... I couldn't make that version of the shaft work unfortunately (with the large diameter coupler), as it would foul on other things.. plus I really wanted to keep the shaft the larger 3/4 or 19mm size over the 17mm or 11/16 shaft. Found that using two 'long' Volvo uni's from 240 and a shortened Range Rover Steering shaft did the trick!

Angus242164

No worries, sounds like you've got it sorted out. It's amazing what you can create by mixing and matching different parts.

beefy245

Angus- just messaged you mate